Heterocyclic compounds which inhibit leukocyte adhesion mediated by α4 integrins

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compounds which bind α 4  integrins, preferably VLA-4. Certain of these compounds also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by α 4  integrins, preferably VLA-4. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient, e.g., human, such as asthma, Alzheimer&#39;s disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis and myocardial ischemia. The compounds can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/494,790, filed Dec. 1,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,477, which is a 371 of PCT/US03/16804filed May 27, 2003, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/383,020, filed May 24, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to compounds which inhibit leukocyte adhesionand, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by α₄ integrins wherethe α₄ integrin is preferably VLA-4.

REFERENCES

The following publications, patents and patent applications are cited inthis application as superscript numbers:

-   -   ¹ Hemler and Takada, European Patent Application Publication No.        330,506, published Aug. 30, 1989    -   ² Elices, et al., Cell, 60:577-584 (1990)    -   ³ Springer, Nature, 346:425-434 (1990)    -   ⁴ Osborne, Cell, 62:3-6 (1990)    -   ⁵ Vedder, et al., Surgery, 106:509 (1989)    -   ⁶ Pretolani, et al., J. Exp. Med., 180:795 (1994)    -   ⁷ Abraham, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 93:776 (1994)    -   ⁸ Mulligan, et al., J. Immunology, 150:2407 (1993)    -   ⁹ Cybulsky, et al., Science, 251:788 (1991)    -   ¹⁰ Li, et al., Arterioscler. Thromb., 13:197 (1993)    -   ¹¹ Sasseville, et al., Am. J. Path., 144:27 (1994)    -   ¹² Yang, et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Science (USA), 90:10494 (1993)    -   ¹³ Burkly, et al., Diabetes, 43:529 (1994)    -   ¹⁴ Baron, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 93:1700 (1994)    -   ¹⁵ Hamann, et al., J. Immunology, 152:3283 (1994)    -   ¹⁶ Yednock, et al., Nature, 356:63 (1992)    -   ¹⁷ Baron, et al., J. Exp. Med., 177:57 (1993)    -   ¹⁸ van Dinther-Janssen, et al., J. Immunology, 147:4207 (1991)    -   ¹⁹ van Dinther-Janssen, et al., Annals. Rheumatic Dis., 52:672        (1993)    -   ²⁰ Elices, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 93:405 (1994)    -   ²¹ Postigo, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 89:1445 (1991)    -   ²² Paul, et al., Transpl. Proceed., 25:813 (1993)    -   ²³ Okarhara, et al., Can. Res., 54:3233 (1994)    -   ²⁴ Paavonen, et al., Int. J. Can., 58:298 (1994)    -   ²⁵ Schadendorf, et al., J. Path., 170:429 (1993)    -   ²⁶ Bao, et al., Diff., 52:239 (1993)    -   ²⁷ Lauri, et al., British J. Cancer, 68:862 (1993)    -   ²⁸ Kawaguchi, et al., Japanese J. Cancer Res., 83:1304 (1992)    -   ²⁹ Konradi, et al., PCT/US00/01686, filed Jan. 21, 2000.

All of the above publications are herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by referencein its entirety.

State of the Art

VLA-4 (also referred to as α₄β₁ integrin and CD49d/CD29), firstidentified by Hemler and Takada,¹ is a member of the β1 integrin familyof cell surface receptors, each of which comprises two subunits, an achain and a β chain. VLA-4 contains an α4 chain and a β1 chain. Thereare at least nine β1 integrins, all sharing the same β1 chain and eachhaving a distinct a chain. These nine receptors all bind a differentcomplement of the various cell matrix molecules, such as fibronectin,laminin, and collagen. VLA-4, for example, binds to fibronectin. VLA-4also binds non-matrix molecules that are expressed by endothelial andother cells. These non-matrix molecules include VCAM-1, which isexpressed on cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cellsin culture. Distinct epitopes of VLA-4 are responsible for thefibronectin and VCAM-1 binding activities and each activity has beenshown to be inhibited independently.²

Intercellular adhesion mediated by VLA-4 and other cell surfacereceptors is associated with a number of inflammatory responses. At thesite of an injury or other inflammatory stimulus, activated vascularendothelial cells express molecules that are adhesive for leukocytes.The mechanics of leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells involves, inpart, the recognition and binding of cell surface receptors onleukocytes to the corresponding cell surface molecules on endothelialcells. Once bound, the leukocytes migrate across the blood vessel wallto enter the injured site and release chemical mediators to combatinfection. For reviews of adhesion receptors of the immune system, see,for example, Springer³ and Osborn.⁴

Inflammatory brain disorders, such as experimental autoimmuneencephalomyelitis (EAE), multiple sclerosis (MS) and meningitis, areexamples of central nervous system disorders in which theendothelium/leukocyte adhesion mechanism results in destruction tootherwise healthy brain tissue. Large numbers of leukocytes migrateacross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in subjects with these inflammatorydiseases. The leukocytes release toxic mediators that cause extensivetissue damage resulting in impaired nerve conduction and paralysis.

In other organ systems, tissue damage also occurs via an adhesionmechanism resulting in migration or activation of leukocytes. Forexample, it has been shown that the initial insult following myocardialischemia to heart tissue can be further complicated by leukocyte entryto the injured tissue causing still further insult (Vedder et al.).⁵Other inflammatory or medical conditions mediated by an adhesionmechanism include, by way of example, asthma⁶⁻⁸, Alzheimer's disease,atherosclerosis,⁹⁻¹⁰ AIDS dementia,¹¹ diabetes¹²⁻¹⁴ (including acutejuvenile onset diabetes), inflammatory bowel disease¹⁵ (includingulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), multiple sclerosis,¹⁶⁻¹⁷rheumatoid arthritis,¹⁸⁻²¹ tissue transplantation,²² tumormetastasis,²³⁻²⁸ meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, and other cerebraltraumas, nephritis, retinitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, myocardialischemia and acute leukocyte-mediated lung injury such as that whichoccurs in adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Substituted aminopyrimidines, as a class, have been disclosed asinhibiting binding of VLA-4 to VCAM-1 and, accordingly, exhibitanti-inflammatory properties.²⁹ While these compounds possess antagonistproperties to such binding, enhanced bioavailability of these compoundswould augment their efficacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the discovery that certainN-[2-N′,N′-diethylamino-5-aminosulfonylphenylpyrimidin-4-yl]-p-carbomyloxy-phenylalaninecompounds possess unexpectedly superior bioavailability, as measured bytheir AUC, as compared to other substituted aminopyrimidine compoundspreviously disclosed.

In one of its composition aspects, this invention is directed to acompound of Formula (I):

-   -   wherein each X is independently fluoro, chloro or bromo;    -   p is an integer from 0 to 3;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl,        2,5-dihydopyrrol-1-yl, piperidinyl, or        1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower        alkenyl, and lower alkylenecycloalkyl;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom towhich they are bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinylgroup.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides compounds of Formula(II):

-   -   wherein each X is independently selected from the group        consisting of fluoro and chloro;    -   m is an integer equal to 1 or 2;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower        alkenyl, and lower alkylenecycloalkyl;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, this invention providescompounds of Formula (III)

-   -   wherein each X is independently fluoro or chloro;    -   n is zero or one;    -   R² is —CH₂—R′ where R′ is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, methyl or —CH═CH₂;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another of its composition aspects, this invention is directed to acompound of Formula (IV):

-   -   wherein each X is independently fluoro, chloro or bromo;    -   p is an integer from 0 to 3;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl,        2,5-dihydopyrrol-1-yl, piperidinyl, or        1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl;    -   R² is lower alkynyl;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom towhich they are bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinylgroup and R² is propargyl.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides compounds of Formula(V):

-   -   wherein each X is independently selected from the group        consisting of fluoro and chloro;    -   m is an integer equal to 1 or 2;    -   R² is lower alkynyl;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, this invention providescompounds of Formula (VI)

-   -   wherein each X is independently fluoro or chloro;    -   n is zero or one;    -   R² is lower alkynyl;    -   R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are        bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group;    -   and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

N-[2-N′,N′-diethylamino-5-aminosulfonylphenylpyrimidin-4-yl]-p-carbomyloxy-phenylalaninecompounds within the scope of this invention include those set forth inTable I as follows:

TABLE I

R¹ and R³ R²

Cmpd No. pyrrolidinyl ethyl 4-fluorophenyl 2 pyrrolidinyl methyl4-fluorophenyl 3 pyrrolidinyl methyl 4-chlorophenyl 4 pyrrolidinyl ethyl4-chlorophenyl 1 piperidinyl methyl 4-fluorophenyl 5 azetidinyl ethyl4-fluorophenyl 7 azetidinyl methyl 4-fluorophenyl 8 azetidinyl methyl4-chlorophenyl 9 azetidinyl ethyl 4-chlorophenyl 10 piperidinyl ethyl4-fluorophenyl 6 azetidinyl ethyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 14 pyrrolidinylmethyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 11 pyrrolidinyl ethyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 12azetidinyl methyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 13 pyrrolidinyl propargyl4-fluorophenyl 15 pyrrolidinyl progargyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 16azetidinyl propargyl 2,4-difluorophenyl 17 azetidinyl propargyl4-fluorophenyl 18 pyrrolidinyl progargyl 4-chlorophenyl 19

Specific compounds within the scope of this invention include thefollowing compounds. As used below, these compounds are named based onphenylalanine derivatives but, alternatively, these compounds could havebeen named based onN-[2-N′,N′-diethylamino-5-aminosulfonylphenyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-p-carbomyloxyphenylalaninederivatives or2-{2-diethylamino-5-[(benzenesulfonyl)methylamino]-pyrimidin-4-ylamino}-p-carbamoyloxy-phenyl)propionicacid derivatives.

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;

N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, this invention provides pharmaceutical compositionscomprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of the compounds defined herein.

In one of its method aspects, this invention is directed to a method fortreating a disease mediated at least in part by α₄ integrins, preferablyVLA-4, in a patient, which method comprises administering apharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of thisinvention.

The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention areuseful for treating disease conditions mediated at least in part by α₄integrins, preferably VLA-4, or leucocyte adhesion. Such diseaseconditions include, by way of example, asthma, Alzheimer's disease,atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes (including acute juvenile onsetdiabetes), inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis andCrohn's disease), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tissuetransplantation, tumor metastasis, meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, andother cerebral traumas, nephritis, retinitis, atopic dermatitis,psoriasis, myocardial ischemia and acute leukocyte-mediated lung injurysuch as that which occurs in adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Other disease conditions include, but are not limited to, inflammatoryconditions such as erythema nodosum, allergic conjunctivitis, opticneuritis, uveitis, allergic rhinitis, Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriaticarthritis, vasculitis, Reiter's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus,progressive systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, Wegner'sgranulomatosis, aortitis, sarcoidosis, lymphocytopenia, temporalarteritis, pericarditis, myocarditis, congestive heart failure,polyarteritis nodosa, hypersensitivity syndromes, allergy,hypereosinophilic syndromes, Churg-Strauss syndrome, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, chronic activehepatitis, interstitial cystitis, autoimmune endocrine failure, primarybiliary cirrhosis, autoimmune aplastic anemia, chronic persistenthepatitis and thyroiditis.

In a preferred embodiment, the disease condition is an inflammatorydisease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As above, this invention relates to compounds which inhibit leukocyteadhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated at least inpart by α4 integrins, preferably VLA-4. However, prior to describingthis invention in further detail, the following terms will first bedefined.

Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specificationand claims have the meanings given below:

As used herein, “lower alkyl” refers to monovalent alkyl groups havingfrom 1 to 5 carbon atoms including straight and branched chain alkylgroups. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl,iso-propyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyland the like.

The term “lower alkylene” refers to divalent alkylene groups of from 1to 4 carbon atoms including straight and branched chain alkylene groups.This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene, ethylene,n-propylene, iso-propylene (—CH₂CH(CH₃)— and —CH(CH₃)CH₂—) and the like.

The term “lower alkenyl” refers to an alkenyl group preferably havingfrom 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 site and preferably only1 site of alkenyl unsaturation (i.e., >C═C<). This term is exemplifiedby groups such as allyl, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, and the like.

The term “lower alkynyl” refers to an alkynyl group preferably havingfrom 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 site and preferably only1 site of alkynyl unsaturation (i.e., —C≡C—). This term is exemplifiedby groups such as acetyl (—C≡CH), propargyl (—CH₂—C≡CH),3-butynyl(—CH₂CH₂C≡CH₃) and the like.

The term “lower cycloalkyl” refers to cyclic alkyl groups of from 3 to 6carbon atoms having a single cyclic ring including, by way of example,cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

The term “lower alkylenecycloalkyl” refers to the group consisting of alower alkylene-lower cycloalkyl, as defined herein. Such groups areexemplified by methylenecyclopropyl (—CH₂-cyclopropyl),ethylenecyclopropyl and the like.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means a carrier that is useful inpreparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxicand neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable, and includes acarrier that is acceptable for veterinary use as well as humanpharmaceutical use. “A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” as used inthe specification and claims includes both one and more than one suchcarrier.

“Treating” or “treatment” of a disease includes:

(1) preventing the disease, i.e., causing the clinical symptoms of thedisease not to develop in a mammal that may be exposed to or predisposedto the disease but does not yet experience or display symptoms of thedisease,

(2) inhibiting the disease, i.e., arresting or reducing the developmentof the disease or its clinical symptoms, or

(3) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the disease orits clinical symptoms.

A “therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of a compoundthat, when administered to a mammal for treating a disease, issufficient to effect such treatment for the disease. The“therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the compound,the disease and its severity and the age, weight, etc., of the mammal tobe treated.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of a compound of Formula I which salts are derived from a varietyof organic and inorganic counter ions well known in the art and include,by way of example only, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium,tetraalkylammonium, and the like; and when the molecule contains a basicfunctionality, salts of organic or inorganic acids, such ashydrochloride, hydrobromide, tartrate, mesylate, acetate, maleate,oxalate and the like.

Integrins are a large family of homologous transmembrane linker proteinsthat are the principal receptors on animal cells for binding mostextracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, fibronectin, andlaminin. The integrins are heterodimers comprised of an α chain and a βchain. To date, twenty different integrin heterodimers, made from 9different α subunits and 14 different β subunits, have been identified.The term “α₄ integrins” refers to the class of heterodimer,enzyme-linked cell-surface receptors that contain the α₄ subunit pairedwith any of the β subunits. VLA-4 is an example of an α₄ integrin, andis a heterodimer of the α₄ and β₁ subunits, and is also referred to asα₄β₁ integrin.

Compound Preparation

The compounds of this invention can be prepared from readily availablestarting materials using the methods and procedures set forth in theexamples below. These methods and procedures outline specific reactionprotocols for preparingN-[2-N′,N′-diethylamino-5-aminosulfonylphenyl-yrimidin-4-yl]-p-carbomyloxy-phenylalaninecompounds. Compounds within the scope not exemplified in these examplesand methods are readily prepared by appropriate substitution of startingmaterials which are either commercially available or well known in theart.

Other procedures and reaction conditions for preparing the compounds ofthis invention are described in the examples set forth below.Additionally, other procedures for preparing compounds useful in certainaspects of this invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,372,issued Dec. 10, 2002; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

When employed as pharmaceuticals, the compounds of this invention areusually administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. Thesecompositions can be administered by a variety of routes including oral,rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, andintranasal. These compositions are effective by both injectable and oraldelivery. Such compositions are prepared in a manner well known in thepharmaceutical art and comprise at least one active compound.

This invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions which contain,as the active ingredient, one or more of the compounds of Formula Iabove associated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In makingthe compositions of this invention, the active ingredient is usuallymixed with an excipient, diluted by an excipient or enclosed within sucha carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or othercontainer. The excipient employed is typically an excipient suitable foradministration to human subjects or other mammals. When the excipientserves as a diluent, it can be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material,which acts as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active ingredient.Thus, the compositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders,lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions,syrups, aerosols (as a solid or in a liquid medium), ointmentscontaining, for example, up to 10% by weight of the active compound,soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectablesolutions, and sterile packaged powders.

In preparing a formulation, it may be necessary to mill the activecompound to provide the appropriate particle size prior to combiningwith the other ingredients. If the active compound is substantiallyinsoluble, it ordinarily is milled to a particle size of less than 200mesh. If the active compound is substantially water soluble, theparticle size is normally adjusted by milling to provide a substantiallyuniform distribution in the formulation, e.g., about 40 mesh.

Some examples of suitable excipients include lactose, dextrose, sucrose,sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates,tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose,polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. Theformulations can additionally include: lubricating agents such as talc,magnesium stearate, and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying andsuspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl- andpropylhydroxy-benzoates; sweetening agents; and flavoring agents. Thecompositions of the invention can be formulated so as to provide quick,sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient afteradministration to the patient by employing procedures known in the art.

The compositions are preferably formulated in a unit dosage form, eachdosage containing from about 5 to about 100 mg, more usually about 10 toabout 30 mg, of the active ingredient. The term “unit dosage forms”refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages forhuman subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predeterminedquantity of active material calculated to produce the desiredtherapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceuticalexcipient.

The active compound is effective over a wide dosage range and isgenerally administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. It, willbe understood, however, that the amount of the compound actuallyadministered will be determined by a physician, in the light of therelevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, thechosen route of administration, the actual compound administered, theage, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of thepatient's symptoms, and the like.

For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal activeingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient to form a solidpreformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of acompound of the present invention. When referring to thesepreformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the activeingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that thecomposition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosageforms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation isthen subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described abovecontaining from, for example, 0.1 to about 500 mg of the activeingredient of the present invention.

The tablets or pills of the present invention may be coated or otherwisecompounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolongedaction. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage andan outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelopeover the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layerwhich serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permit theinner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed inrelease. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers orcoatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids andmixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetylalcohol, and cellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the presentinvention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injectioninclude aqueous solutions suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oilsuspensions, and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseedoil, sesame oil, coconut oil, or peanut oil, as well as elixirs andsimilar pharmaceutical vehicles.

Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions andsuspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents,or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions maycontain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as describedsupra. Preferably the compositions are administered by the oral or nasalrespiratory route for local or systemic effect. Compositions inpreferably pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulized by useof inert gases. Nebulized solutions may be breathed directly from thenebulizing device or the nebulizing device may be attached to a facemasks tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing machine.Solution, suspension, or powder compositions may be administered,preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliver the formulationin an appropriate manner.

The following formulation examples illustrate the pharmaceuticalcompositions of the present invention.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 1

Hard gelatin capsules containing the following ingredients are prepared:

Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 30.0 Starch 305.0Magnesium stearate 5.0

The above ingredients are mixed and filled into hard gelatin capsules in340 mg quantities.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 2

A tablet formula is prepared using the ingredients below:

Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 25.0 Cellulose,microcrystalline 200.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 10.0 Stearic acid 5.0

The components are blended and compressed to form tablets, each weighing240 mg.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 3

A dry powder inhaler formulation is prepared containing the followingcomponents:

Ingredient Weight % Active Ingredient 5 Lactose 95

The active mixture is mixed with the lactose and the mixture is added toa dry powder inhaling appliance.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 4

Tablets, each containing 30 mg of active ingredient, are prepared asfollows:

Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 30.0 mg  Starch 45.0mg  Microcrystalline cellulose 35.0 mg  Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4.0 mg (as10% solution in water) Sodium Carboxymethyl starch 4.5 mg Magnesiumstearate 0.5 mg Talc 1.0 mg Total 120 mg 

The active ingredient, starch and cellulose are passed through a No. 20mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution ofpolyvinyl-pyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders, which arethen passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced aredried at 50° to 60° C. and passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. Thesodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previouslypassed through a No. 30 mesh U.S. sieve, are then added to the granuleswhich, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tabletseach weighing 120 mg.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 5

Capsules, each containing 40 mg of medicament are made as follows:

Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient  40.0 mg Starch 109.0mg Magnesium stearate  1.0 mg Total 150.0 mg

The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended,passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatincapsules in 150 mg quantities.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 6

Suppositories, each containing 25 mg of active ingredient are made asfollows:

Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient   25 mg Saturated fatty acidglycerides 2,000 mg

The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve andsuspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted usingthe minimum heat necessary. The mixture is then poured into asuppository mold of nominal 2.0 g capacity and allowed to cool.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 7

Suspensions, each containing 50 mg of medicament per 5.0 ml dose aremade as follows:

Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient 50.0 mg Xanthan gum 4.0 mg SodiumCarboxymethyl cellulose (11%) Microcrystalline cellulose (89%) 50.0 mgSucrose 1.75 g Sodium benzoate 10.0 mg Flavor and Color q.v. Purifiedwater to 5.0 ml

The medicament, sucrose and xanthan gum are blended, passed through aNo. 10 mesh U.S. sieve, and then mixed with a previously made solutionof the microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose inwater. The sodium benzoate, flavor, and color are diluted with some ofthe water and added with stirring. Sufficient water is then added toproduce the required volume.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 8

Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient  15.0 mg Starch 407.0mg Magnesium stearate  3.0 mg Total 425.0 mg

The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended,passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatincapsules in 425 mg quantities.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 9

An intravenous formulation may be prepared as follows:

Ingredient Quantity Active Ingredient 250.0 mg Isotonic saline  1000 ml

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 10

A topical formulation may be prepared as follows:

Ingredient Quantity Active Ingredient 1–10 g  Emulsifying Wax 30 gLiquid Paraffin 20 g White Soft Paraffin to 100 g  

The white soft paraffin is heated until molten. The liquid paraffin andemulsifying wax are incorporated and stirred until dissolved. The activeingredient is added and stirring is continued until dispersed. Themixture is then cooled until solid.

Another preferred formulation employed in the methods of the presentinvention employs transdermal delivery devices (“patches”). Suchtransdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuousinfusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlledamounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for thedelivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252, issued Jun. 11, 1991, herein incorporated byreference. Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, oron demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

Direct or indirect placement techniques may be used when it is desirableor necessary to introduce the pharmaceutical composition to the brain.Direct techniques usually involve placement of a drug delivery catheterinto the host's ventricular system to bypass the blood-brain barrier.One such implantable delivery system used for the transport ofbiological factors to specific anatomical regions of the body isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,472 which is herein incorporated byreference.

Indirect techniques, which are generally preferred, usually involveformulating the compositions to provide for drug latentiation by theconversion of hydrophilic drugs into lipid-soluble drugs. Latentiationis generally achieved through blocking of the hydroxy, carbonyl,sulfate, and primary amine groups present on the drug to render the drugmore lipid soluble and amenable to transportation across the blood-brainbarrier. Alternatively, the delivery of hydrophilic drugs may beenhanced by intra-arterial infusion of hypertonic solutions which cantransiently open the blood-brain barrier.

Utility

The compounds of this invention inhibit, in vivo, adhesion of leukocytesto endothelial cells mediated at least in part by α₄ integrins,preferably VLA-4, by competitive binding to α₄ integrins, preferablyVLA-4. Accordingly, the compounds of this invention can be used in thetreatment of mammalian diseases mediated at least in part by α₄integrins, preferably VLA-4, or leucocyte adhesion. Such diseasesinclude inflammatory diseases in mammalian patients such as asthma,Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes (includingacute juvenile onset diabetes), inflammatory bowel disease (includingulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoidarthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis, meningitis,encephalitis, stroke, and other cerebral traumas, nephritis, retinitis,atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, myocardial ischemia and acuteleukocyte-mediated lung injury such as that which occurs in adultrespiratory distress syndrome.

The amount administered to the mammalian patient will vary dependingupon what is being administered, the purpose of the administration, suchas prophylaxis or therapy, the state of the patient, the manner ofadministration, and the like. In therapeutic applications, compositionsare administered to a patient already suffering from a disease in anamount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the symptoms ofthe disease and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish thisis defined as “therapeutically effective dose.” Amounts effective forthis use will depend on the disease condition being treated as well asby the judgment of the attending clinician depending upon factors suchas the severity of the inflammation, the age, weight and generalcondition of the patient, and the like.

The compositions administered to a patient are in the form ofpharmaceutical compositions described above. These compositions may besterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterilefiltered. The resulting aqueous solutions may be packaged for use as is,or lyophilized, the lyophilized preparation being combined with asterile aqueous carrier prior to administration. The pH of the compoundpreparations typically will be between 3 and 11, more preferably from 5to 9 and most preferably from 7 to 8. It will be understood that use ofcertain of the foregoing excipients, carriers, or stabilizers willresult in the formation of pharmaceutical salts.

The therapeutic dosage of the compounds of the present invention willvary according to, for example, the particular use for which thetreatment is made, the manner of administration of the compound, thehealth and condition of the patient, and the judgment of the prescribingphysician. For example, for intravenous administration, the dose willtypically be in the range of about 20 μg to about 500 μg per kilogrambody weight, preferably about 100 μg to about 300 μg per kilogram bodyweight. Suitable dosage ranges for intranasal administration aregenerally about 0.1 pg to 1 mg per kilogram body weight. Effective dosescan be extrapolated from dose-response curves derived from in vitro oranimal model test systems.

The following synthetic and biological examples are offered toillustrate this invention and are not to be construed in any way aslimiting the scope of this invention. Unless otherwise stated, alltemperatures are in degrees Celsius.

EXAMPLES

In the examples below, the following abbreviations have the followingmeanings. If an abbreviation is not defined, it has its generallyaccepted meaning.

-   -   AUC=Area under the curve    -   bd=broad doublet    -   bs=broad singlet    -   BSA=bovine serum albumin    -   d=doublet    -   DMAP=4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride    -   EDTA=Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid    -   EtOAc=ethyl acetate    -   EtOH=ethanol    -   eq.=equivalent    -   FACS=Fluoresence activated Cell Sorter    -   FITC=Fluorescein isothiocyanate    -   g.=grams    -   i.p.=intraperitoneal    -   h=hour    -   HBSS=Hank's Balanced Saline Solution    -   Hct=hematocrit, or measurement of packed red blood cells        obtained by centrifugation in a volume of a blood sample    -   HB or Hb=hemoglobin    -   HEPES=4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine-ethanesulfonic acid    -   IgG Fc=a binding domain of the immunnoglobulin    -   kg=killogram    -   L=liter    -   m=multiplet (when used with NMR data)    -   M=Molar    -   MCH=Mean Corpusular Hemoglobin; Hb/RBC    -   MCHC=mean corpuscular hemoglobin count expressed as a        percentage; Hb/Hct.    -   MCV=mean corpuscular volume; the avg. volume of erythrocytes,        conventinally expressed in cubic micrometers per red cell.    -   MeOH=methanol    -   mg=milligram    -   mL=milliter    -   mm=millimeter    -   mM=millimolar    -   mol=moles    -   mmol=millimol    -   mpk=milligrams per kilogram    -   N=normal    -   ng=nanograms    -   PBS++=Phosphate buffered saline    -   psi=pounds per square inch    -   q.s. or Q.S.=bring to volume    -   Rfs or R_(f)=retention factor    -   rpm=rotations per minute    -   rt or RT=room temperature    -   s=singlet    -   t=triplet    -   TFA=trifluoroacetic acid    -   THF=tetrahydrofuran    -   TLC or tlc=thin layer chromatography    -   μL=microliter    -   μg=microgram    -   μm=micorns    -   V_(t)=Total volume    -   WBC=White Blood Cells    -   w/v=weight to volume

Compounds of the present invention may be prepared as illustrated inScheme 1 and as described in the methods below:

Example 1 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Step 1: Preparation of 2,4-Dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine (2).5-Nitrouracil, (1), was treated with phosphorous oxychloride (POCl₃) andN,N-dimethylaniline (PhNMe₂), according to the procedure of whittaker(J. Chem. Soc. 1951, 1565), to give compound 2. Compound 2 is alsoavailable from City Chemical (West Haven, Conn.).

Step 2: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-L-tyrosine tert-butylester (3). To a solution of L-tyrosine tert-butyl ester (H-Tyr(OH)-OtBu)(30.6 g, 0.129 mol) in THF (250 mL) at −10° C. was added2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine (25 g, 0.129 mol), keeping thetemperature below 5° C. during the addition. Once the addition wascomplete, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (EtiPr₂N) (33.7 mL, 0.194 mol) wasadded dropwise. After stirring for 1 h at −10° C., diethylamine (Et₂NH)(66.73 mL, 0.645 mol) was added slowly, and then the reaction mixturewas warmed to room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with diethyl ether (500 mL), and the organic layer was washedwith 0.2 N citric acid (3×150 mL), water (1×150 mL), and 10% K₂CO₃(3×150 mL). The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow residue. The residue waspurified by flash chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel) toyield 37.39 g (67%) of compound 3 as a yellow foam. R_(f)=0.21 (25%EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel).

Step 3: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (4). To a solution ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-L-tyrosine tert-butylester (37.39 g, 0.087 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) was added DMAP (10.59 g,0.087 mol). After 5 minutes triethylamine (TEA) (18.19 mL, 0.131 mol)was added dropwise. 1-Pyrrolidinecarbamoyl chloride (14.42 mL, 0.131mol) was added dropwise, and the reaction was heated to reflux (40° C.)overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and taken upin EtOAc (300 mL). The organic phase was washed with 0.2 N citric acid(3×150 mL), water (1×150 mL), sat. NaHCO₃ (3×150 mL), brine (1×150 mL),dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 43.07 g(94%) of compound 4 as a yellow solid. R_(f)=0.5 (50% EtOAc/hexanes onsilica gel).

Step 4: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (5). A mixture ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (43.07 g, 0.081 mol) and 10% Pd/C (4.3 g, 10 wt % Pd)in EtOH (200 mL) was shaken under 45 psi hydrogen until TLC (50%EtOAc/hexanes, on silica gel) showed 100% conversion to product (48hours). The reaction mixture was then filtered through a Celite plug andconcentrated in vacuo to yield 40.29 g (100%) of compound 5 as a purplefoam. R_(f)=0.11 (6:1 EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel).

Step 5: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (6). A pyridine (160 mL) solution ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (40.29 g, 0.081 mol) was cooled to −20° C. with a dryice/CH₃CN bath. The mixture stirred for 30 minutes, and then4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (17.06 g, 0.081 mol) was added slowly.The reaction was stirred at −20° C. to −15° C. for 4 h and then allowedto warm to room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted withEtOAc (400 mL), and the organic phase was washed with 0.2 N citric acid(3×150 mL), water (1×150 mL), sat. NaHCO₃ (3×150 mL), brine (1×150 mL),dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to yield a brownresidue. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (50%EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel) to yield 43.49 g (80%) of compound 6 as ayellow foam. R_(f)=0.35 (50% EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel).

Step 6: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (7). To a solution ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (42.92 g, 0.064 mol) in acetone (Me₂CO) (600 mL) wasadded K₂CO₃ (12.75 g, 0.096 mol), and the mixture was stirred for 1 h atroom temperature. Iodoethane (EtI) (7.73 mL, 0.096 mol) was then addedslowly, and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and theresidue was taken up in EtOAc (300 mL). The organic phase was washedwith water (2×300 mL), brine (1×100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography(2:1 hexanes/EtOAc on silica gel) to yield 37.36 g (85%) of compound 7as a white solid. R_(f)=0.53 (50% EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel).

Step 7: Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninehydrochloride (8). A formic acid (500 mL) solution ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester (36.21 g, 0.052 mol) was heated to 70° C. for 2 h andthen concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved again in formicacid (500 mL) and heated again at 70° C. for 2 h. The solution wasreduced in volume by 80% and then treated with at least 1 eq. of 1.0 NHCl (52 mL, 0.052 mol) followed by distilled water (100 mL). Theresulting heterogeneous mixture was concentrated in vacuo. Distilledwater (100 mL) was added, and the heterogeneous mixture was concentratedin vacuo. The latter steps were repeated twice to yield a wet whiteproduct. This was dried by placing under high vacuum at 40° C. (7 days)to yield 32.8 g (93%) of compound 8, as a free-flowing white solid.R_(f)=0.25 (7/3 MeOH/H₂O+0.1% TFA, reverse phase).

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.22 (bs, 1H), 7.82-7.79 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.60 (m, 2H),7.36-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.22-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.07-6.98 (m, 2H), 4.91-4.90 (m,1H), 4.80-4.79 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.10 (m, 1H), 3.87-3.75 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.53(m, 4H), 3.41-3.40 (m, 3H), 3.26-3.19 (m, 2H), 2.03 (bs, 1H), 1.97-1.89(m, 3H),1.27-1.15 (m, 6H), 1.10-1.05 (t, 1.5H), 0.97-0.92 (t, 1.5H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 175.8, 175.7, 166.5, 162.7, 162.2, 155.8, 155.7,155.7, 152.6, 148.1, 147.7, 142.0, 138.5, 136.2, 132.6, 132.3, 131.9,131.7, 123.7, 111.8, 111.5, 62.3, 57.8, 44.9, 38.7, 38.0, 27.4, 26.6,15.3, 14.9, 14.7, 14.0, 13.9

Example 2 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 1. Step 5 wasperformed using 4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in place of4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (bs, 1H), 7.90-7.87 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 2H),7.20-7.16 (m, 1H), 7.08-7.00 (m, 3H), 5.52-5.51 (m, 1H), 4.96-4.93 (m,2H), 5.78-5.70 (m, 1H), 3.85-3.75 (m, 1H), 3.59-3.53 (m, 4H), 4.47-4.43(m, 2H), 3.44-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.02-1.94 (m, 3H), 1.24-1.16 (m, 6H),1.10-1.05 (t, 1.5H), 0.99-0.94 (t, 1.5H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 133.0, 132.9, 132.5, 132.2, 123.7, 123.6, 118.6, 57.1,44.3, 38.3, 27.3, 26.6, 14.7, 14.1

MS m/z 629.5 (MH+)

Example 3 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 2. Step 6 wasperformed using dimethyl sulfate in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.16 (bs, 1H), 7.89-7.88 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 3H),7.20-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.05-7.00 (m, 2H), 4.85-4.84 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.12 (m,1H), 3.59-3.54 (m, 5H), 3.45-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.45-3.33 (m, 3H), 3.13-3.12(m, 1H), 3.02-3.01 (m, 1H), 2.04-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.29-1.18 (m, 6H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 176.5, 169.8, 166.9, 166.4, 156.2, 152.7, 151.8,150.4, 136.8, 133.3, 133.2, 132.5, 123.7, 118.8, 118.5, 57.8, 57.1,48.3, 44.5, 41.0, 38.8, 27.5, 26.7, 14.1

MS m/z 615.2 (MH+)

Example 4 Preparation of N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 1. Step 6 wasperformed using dimethyl sulfate in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.20 (bs, 1H), 7.83-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.64 (m, 2H),7.37-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.21-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 2H), 4.88-4.87 (m,1H), 4.13-4.10 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.45 (m, 6H), 3.42-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.23(m, 2H), 3.11-3.10 (m, 1H), 3.02-3.01 (m, 1H), 2.04-2.03 (m, 1H),1.98-1.90 (m, 3H), 1.28-1.18 (m, 6H)

¹³C NMR(CD₃OD) δ 176.0, 166.4, 161.8, 155.9, 155.4, 152.6, 146.5, 142.2,137.6, 137.4, 136.4, 132.5, 131.9, 123.7, 114.6, 62.4, 58.1, 57.7, 45.0,40.8, 38.6, 38.3, 27.4, 26.6, 15.3, 13.9

Example 5 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 3. Step 3 wasperformed using 1-piperidinecarbonyl chloride in place of1-pyrrolidinecarbonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.16 (bs, 1H), 7.90-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.35 (m, 2H),7.21-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.14-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.02-7.01 (m, 2H), 5.51 (bs, 1H),4.83-4.77 (m, 1H), 3.64-3.53 (m, 6H), 3.34-3.33 (m, 2H), 3.20-3.17 (m,1H), 3.12-3.11 (m, 2H), 3.02-3.01 (m, 1H), 1.68-1.65 (m, 6H), 1.19-1.17(m, 6H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 185.0, 169.7, 166.3, 152.7, 136.6, 135.0, 133.2,133.0, 132.5, 131.8, 126.3, 123.6, 121.7, 118.6, 118.3, 57.6, 54.5,46.9, 44.3, 39.6, 38.7, 27.6, 25.9, 14.0

Example 6 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 2. Step 3 wasperformed using 1-piperidinecarbonyl chloride in place of1-pyrrolidinecarbonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (bs, 1H), 7.91-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.31 (m, 3H),7.20-7.16 (m, 1H), 7.05-6.97 (m, 2H), 4.88-4.69 (m, 2H), 4.71-4.69 (m,1H), 3.80-3.75 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.39 (m, 6H), 3.34-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.16(m, 3H), 1.68-1.65 (m, 4H), 1.23-1.17 (m, 6H), 1.10-1.05 (t, 1.5H),0.99-0.94 (t, 1.5H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 199.9, 187.6, 183.1, 176.2, 169.7, 166.3, 163.0,162.7, 153.9, 152.9, 136.5, 133.1, 133.0, 132.7, 132.4, 123.8, 118.8,118.4, 111.1, 110.6, 102.8, 79.4, 57.3, 55.4, 44.4, 38.9, 38.4, 27.7,26.1, 15.1, 14.8, 14.3, 14.2

Example 7 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 2. Step 3 wasperformed according to the following procedure.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.92-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, 1H),7.04-6.91 (m, 3H), 4.29-3.98 (m, 4H), 3.88-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.69-3.37 (m,4H), 2.40-2.24 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.11 (m, 6H), 1.10-1.00 (t, 1.5H),1.01-0.89 (t, 1.5H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 174.2, 169.7, 166.4, 163.2, 162.8, 157.0, 153.3,153.2, 152.4, 144.3, 143.8, 136.1, 135.6, 135.5, 133.2, 133.1, 132.5,132.2, 123.7, 118.9, 118.6, 112.9, 112.6, 57.5, 38.1, 37.7, 17.4, 14.7,14.5, 13.8, 13.7

MS m/z 615 (MH⁺)

Alternative Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester. To a −15° C. stirred solution of compound 3 (24.9 g,0.0578 mol) and 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (11.7 g, 0.0578 mmol) inCH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) was added triethylamine (24.2 mL, 0.173 mol), at a ratesuch that the temperature of the reaction mixture did not exceed −10° C.After stirring for 20 min, azetidine (3.30 g, 0.0578 mmol) was addeddropwise, and the reaction mixtures was warmed to room temperature andstirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL)and hexanes (100 mL), and then was extracted repeatedly with 10% aqueousK₂CO₃, until no yellow color (4-nitrophenol) was seen in the aqueousphase. The organic layer was washed with brine (75 mL), dried withMgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated to yield 28.5 g (96%) ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-nitropyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalaninetert-butyl ester as a yellow solid, which was used without purification.Rf=0.17 (2:5 EtOAc/hexanes on silica gel).

Example 8 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 7. Step 6 wasperformed using dimethyl sulfate in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.95-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.11 (m, 4H), 7.01-6.83 (m,3H), 4.30-3.93 (m, 4H), 3.66-3.41 (m, 4H), 3.14-2.92 (m, 3H), 2.42-2.21(m, 2H), 1.32-1.01 (m, 6H)

¹³C NMR(CD₃OD) δ 152.3, 136.3, 133.4, 133.2, 132.4, 123.6, 118.8, 118.5,38.2, 17.4, 13.8

MS m/z 601 (MH⁺)

Example 9 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 8. Step 5 wasperformed using 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in place of4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.36-7.18 (m, 2H),7.06-6.86 (m, 3H), 4.29-3.97 (m, 4H), 3.66-3.34 (m, 5H), 3.15-2.95 (m,4H), 2.41-2.22 (m, 2H) 1.26-1.06 (m, 6H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 157.2, 153.0, 152.5, 142.9, 142.5, 136.4, 132.5,132.1, 132.0, 123.8, 57.9, 52.2, 40.7, 38.0, 17.4, 13.6

MS m/z 617 (MH⁺)

Example 10 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 7. Step 5 wasperformed using 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in place of4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.86-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.32 (bd, 1H),7.21 (bd, 1H), 7.03-6.97 (m, 2H), 6.90 (bs, 1H), 4.29-4.00 (m, 4H),3.89-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.70-3.36 (m, 5H), 3.28-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.42-2.24 (m,2H), 1.28-1.13 (m, 6H), 1.11-1.02 (t, 1.5H), 1.01-0.90 (t, 1.5H)

MS m/z 631 (MH⁺)

Example 11 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 3. Step 5 wasperformed using 2,4-difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in place of4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.16 (bs, 6H), 1.93 (bs, 4H), 2.50-3.75 (m, 13H), 4.83(bs, 1H), 6.60-7.40 (m, 7H), 7.60 (bs, 1H), 7.77 (m, 1H), 9.41 (bs, 1H)

Example 12 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 2. Step 5 wasperformed using 2,4-difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in place of4-fluorobenzensulfonyl chloride.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.91 (t, J=6.9, 1.8H), 1.12 (m, 7.2H), 1.92 (bs, 4H),2.50-4.00 (m, 13H), 4.78 (m, 0.6H), 4.88 (m, 0.4H), 6.55 (d, J=6.9,0.4H), 6.77 (d, J=6.3, 0.6H), 6.80-7.38 (m, 6H), 7.51 (s, 0.4H), 7.58(s, 0.6H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 9.33 (m, 1H)

Example 13 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 11. Step 3 wasperformed as for Example 7.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.14 (t, J=6.6, 6H), 2.32 (m, 2H), 2.50-3.80 (m, 9H),4.13 (m, 4H), 4.62 (m, 0.6H), 4.81 (m, 0.4H), 5.81 (bd, 0.6H), 5.90 (bd,0.4H), 6.90-7.40 (m, 7H), 7.77 (m, 1H)

MS m/z 619.2 (MH⁺)

Example 14 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 12. Step 3 wasperformed as for Example 7.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃)δ 0.89 (t, J=6.7, 1.8H), 1.16 (m, 7.2H), 2.28 (m, 2H),3.00-4.00 (m, 8H), 4.09 (bs, 4H), 4.79 (m, 0.6H), 4.88 (m, 0.4H),6.80-7.30 (m, 7H), 7.57 (s, 0.4H), 7.62 (s, 0.6H), 7.75(m, 1H), 11.9(bs, 1H)

MS m/z 633.2 (MH⁺)

Example 15 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 2. Step 6 wasperformed using propargyl bromide in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.18 (m, 6H), 1.93 (bs, 4H), 2.37 (s, 1H), 3.00-3.70(m, 10H), 3.80 (d, J=21.3, 0.6H), 3.98 (d, J=18.3, 0.4H), 4.51 (m, 1H),4.88 (m, 1H), 6.75-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.58 (s, 0.6H), 7.63 (s, 0.4H), 7.86(m, 2H), 9.71 (bs, 1H)

Example 16 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 11. Step 6 wasperformed using propargyl bromide in place of dimethyl sulfate.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.17 (m, 6H), 1.94 (m, 4H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 3.00-3.75 (m,10H), 3.99 (d, J=18.0, 0.6H), 4.18 (d, J=18.0, 0.4H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.90(m, 1H), 6.75-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.81 (m, 2H), 10.0 (bs, 1H)

Example 17 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were performed as for Example 16. Step 3 wasperformed as for Example 7.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.18 (m, 6H), 2.34 (m, 3H), 3.00-3.75 (m, 6H),3.80-4.25 (m, 5H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.89 (m, 1H), 6.75-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.79(m, 2H), 10.3 (bs, 1H)

MS m/z 643.2 (MH⁺)

Example 18 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 7. Step 6 wasperformed using propargyl bromide in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.25 (m, 6H), 2.28 (m, 3H), 3.00-3.75 (m, 6H),3.80-4.25 (m, 5H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.89 (m, 1H), 6.75-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.57(s, 0.6H), 7.62 (s, 0.4H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 10.6 (bs, 1H)

MS m/z 625.2 (MH⁺)

Example 19 Preparation ofN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were performed as for Example 1. Step 6 wasperformed using propargyl bromide in place of ethyl iodide.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.86-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.62-7.58 (m, 2H),7.32-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.98 (m, 2H), 4.83-4.5 (m,2H), 4.12-3.82 (m, 1H), 3.63-3.37 (m, 8H), 3.27-3.08 (m, 2H), 2.72 (bs,1H), 2.04-1.86 (m, 4H), 1.24-1.07 (m, 6H)

¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) δ 177.2, 176.5, 162.7, 156.7, 155.7, 154.5, 153.2,142.6, 140.3, 137.4, 137.3, 133.1, 132.9, 132.8, 132.7, 132.2, 132.1,124.3, 111.3, 80.5, 80.3, 77.7, 58.2, 57.7, 44.9, 43.4, 28.1, 27.3,14.8, 14.7

MS m/z 655 (MH⁺)

The following methods may be used to test compounds of this invention.

Example A α⁴β¹ Integrin Adhesion Assay: Jurkat™ Cell Adhesion to HumanPlasma Fibronectin

Procedure:

96 well plates (Costar 3590 EIA plates) were coated with humanfibronectin (Gibco/BRL, cat #33016-023) at a concentration of 10 μg/mlovernight at 4° C. The plates were then blocked with a solution ofbovine serum albumin (BSA; 0.3%) in saline. Jurkat™ cells (maintained inlog phase growth) were labeled with Calcein AM according to themanufacturer's instructions, and suspended at a concentration of 2×10⁶cells/mL in Hepes/Saline/BSA. The cells were then exposed to test andcontrol compounds for 30 minutes at room temperature before transfer toindividual wells of the fibronectin coated plate. Adhesion was allowedto occur for 35 minutes at 37° C. The wells were then washed by gentleaspiration and pipetting with fresh saline. Fluorescence associated withthe remaining adherent cells was quantified using a fluorescence platereader at EX 485/EM 530.

Cell cultures were prepared by first splitting the stationary phaseJurkat™ cells at 1:10 on day one, and 1:2 on day two to perform assay onday 3. The cells split 1:10 on day one were split 1:4 on day 3 for a day4 assay.

The assay plates were prepared by first making a working solution ofGibco/BRL Human Fibronectin (cat # 33016-023) in PBS++, at 10 μg/mL. ACostar 3590 EIA plate was then coated with 50 μL/well for 2 hours atroom temperature (thought it can also be left overnight at 4° C.).Finally the plate was aspirated and blocked with Hepes/Saline Buffer,100 μL/well, for 1 hour at RT followed by washing 3× with 150 μL ofPBS++.

Compound dilutions were accomplished by preparing 1:3 serial dilutionsof compounds as follows. For each plate (4 compounds/plate) 600 μL wereadded to 4 Bio-Rad Titertubes in a Titertube rack. Enough compound wasadded to each appropriate tube to give a 2× concentration using methodswell known in the art. Using Falcon Flexiplates, 100 μL of Hepes/Salinebuffer or human serum were added to rows B through G. A multi-channelpipetter set to 180 μL was used to with four tips spaced evenly thepipetter. Each set of four tubes was mixed 5 times and 180 μL of 2×compound was transferred to the first column of each compound dilutionin Row B, leaving Row A empty. 180 μL were added to the other wells inRow A. Serial dilutions were performed down the plate by transferring 50μL to the next dilution and mixing 5 times, changing tips each timeafter mixing. Dilutions were stopped at Row F. Row G had no compoundpresent.

A 20 μg/mL solution in Hepes/Saline buffer or human serum, of 21/6antibody was the positive control and was set aside in a reagent troughto add to cell suspension plate.

The cell staining was accomplished by first harvesting the log-phaseJurkat™ cells by centrifugation in 50 mL tubes (1100 rpm for 5 minutes).The cells were resuspended in 50 mL PBS++, spun, and resuspend in 20 mLPBS++. The cells were stained by adding 20 μL of Calcein AM for 30minutes RT. The volume was brought to 50 mL with Hepes/Saline buffer andthe cells were counted, spun, and resuspend to 2×10⁶ cells/mL inHepes/Saline buffer or human serum.

The compounds were incubated using the following procedure. In a newflexiplate, 65 μL of stained cells were added to Rows B through H. Then65 μL of 2× compounds were added to the appropriate rows following theplate setup and mixed three times. 65 μL of 2×-21/6 antibody were addedto Row H and mixed 3×. Finally the plate was incubated at roomtemperature for 30 minutes.

Fibronectin adhesion was measured using a fluorescent plate reader at EX485/EM 530 after the following work up procedure. After incubation, thecells were mixed three times and 100 μL were transfered to theFibronectin coated plates and incubated at 37° C. for about 35 minutes.Each plate was washed, row by row, by gently pipetting 100 μL of RT.PBS++down the sides of the wells and turning the plate 90 degrees toaspirate. This procedure was repeated for a total of 3 washes. Each wellwas filled with 100 μL after washing by pipetting down the side of thewell.

An IC₅₀ value was calculated for each compound, both in the presence ofthe human serum and in the absence of human serum. IC₅₀ is concentrationat which the growth or activity is inhibited by 50%. The data ispresented in the following tables.

Cell Adhesion to Human Plasma Fibronectin (Without the human serum)Example No. IC₅₀ (ug/mL) 1. 0.011 2. 0.001 3. 0.004 4. 0.012 5. 0.003776. 0.003 7. 0.001 8. 0.001 9. 0.002 10. 0.00256 11. 0.005293 12.0.005632 13. 0.001515 14. 0.002146 15. 0.063 16. 0.009 17. 0.00337 18.0.003663 19. 0.004538

Cell Adhesion to Human Plasma Fibronectin (Containing human serum)Example No. IC₅₀ (ug/mL) 1. 0.264 2. 0.38 3. 1.062 4. 1.437 5. 0.987 6.0.451 7. 0.053 8. 0.135 9. 0.128 10. 0.052332 11. 0.305436 12. 0.14708513. 0.055391 14. 0.03259 15. 1.102 16. 0.371 17. 0.080426 18. 0.3 19.4.114982

Example B In Vitro Saturation Assay for Determining Binding of CandidateCompounds to α₄β₁

The following describes an in vitro assay to determine the plasma levelsneeded for a compound to be active in the Experimental AutoimmuneEncephalomyelitis (“EAE”) model, described in the next example, or inother in vivo models.

Log-growth Jurkat cells are washed and resuspended in normal animalplasma containing 20 μg/mL of the 15/7 antibody (Yednock, et al., J.Biol. Chem., (1995) 270(48):28740).

The Jurkat cells are diluted two-fold into either normal plasma samplescontaining known candidate compound amounts in various concentrationsranging from 66 μM to 0.01 μM, using a standard 12 point serial dilutionfor a standard curve, or into plasma samples obtained from theperipheral blood of candidate compound-treated animals.

Cells are then incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature, washedtwice with phosphate-buffered saline (“PBS”) containing 2% fetal bovineserum and 1 mM each of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (assaymedium) to remove unbound 15/7 antibody.

The cells are then exposed to phycoerythrin-conjugated goat F(ab′)₂anti-mouse IgG Fc (Immunotech, Westbrook, Me.), which has been adsorbedfor any non-specific cross-reactivity by co-incubation with 5% serumfrom the animal species being studied, at 1:200 and incubated in thedark at 4° C. for 30 minutes.

Cells are washed twice with assay medium and resuspended in the same.They are then analyzed with a standard fluorescence activated cellsorter (“FACS”) analysis as described in Yednock et al. J. Biol. Chem.,1995, 270:28740.

The data is then graphed as fluorescence versus dose, e.g., in a normaldose-response fashion. The dose levels that result in the upper plateauof the curve represent the levels needed to obtain efficacy in an invivo model.

Example C Cassette Dosing and Serum Analysis for Determination ofBioavailability

The oral bioavailability was screened by dosing rats with a cassette,i.e. mixture of 6 compounds per dosing solution. The cassette included 5test articles and a standard compound, for a total dose of 10 mg/kg.Each compound/test article was converted to the sodium salt withequimolar 1 N NaOH and dissolved in water at 2 mg/mL. The cassette wasprepared by mixing equal volumes of each of the six solutions. Thecassette dosing solution was mixed well and then the pH was adjusted to7.5-9. The dosing solution was prepared the day before the study andstirred overnight at room temperature.

Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats from Charles River Laboratories, 6-8 weeksold were used in this screen. Rats were quarantined for at least one dayand had continuous access to food and water. On the night before theadministration of the cassette, the rats were fasted for approximately16 h.

Four SD rats were assigned in each cassette. A single dose of the dosingsolution was administered orally to each rat. The dosing volume (5mL/kg) and time were recorded and rats were fed 2 h after dosing.

Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture at the following timepoints: 4 h, 8 h and 12 h. Immediately prior to blood collection, ratswere anesthetized with CO₂ gas within 10-20 seconds. After the 12-hsamples were collected, the rats were euthanized via CO₂ asphyxiationfollowed by cervical dislocation.

Blood samples were kept in heparinized microtainer tubes undersub-ambient temperature (4° C.) before they were processed. Bloodsamples were centrifuged (10000 rpm for 5 minutes) and plasma sampleswere removed and stored in a −20° C. freezer until analyzed for druglevels. Drug levels in the plasma were analyzed using the followingprotocol for direct plasma precipitation.

The in vivo plasma samples were prepared in a 1.5 mL 96-well plate, byadding, in order, 100 μL of the test plasma, 150 μL of methanol,followed by vortexing for 10-20 seconds. 150 μL of 0.05 ng/μL of anInternal Standard in acetonitrile were added and vortexed for 30seconds.

The standard curve samples were prepared in a 1.5 mL 96-well plate, byadding, in order, 100 μL of control mouse plasma, followed by 150 μL ofmethanol and vortexing for 10-20 seconds. 150 μL of 0.05 ng/μL of anInternal Standard in acetonitrile were added and vortexed for 30seconds. The samples were spiked with 0-200 ng (10 concentrations) ofthe compound of interest in 50% methanol to obtain a standard curverange of 0.5 ng/mL-2,000 ng/mL. Again, the sample was vortexed for 30seconds.

The samples were then spun for 20-30 minutes at 3000 rpm in an Eppendorfmicrofuge before 80-90% of supernatant was transferred into a clean96-well plate. The organic solvent was then evaporated until the sampleswere dry (under N₂ at 40° C./30-60 min (ZymarkTurbovap)).

The residue was then dissolved in 200-600 L mobile phase (50% CH₃OH/0.1%TFA). LC/MS/MS was then run using a PE-Sciex API-3000 triple quadurpolemass spectrometer (SN0749707), Perkin-Elmer, Series200auto-sampler, andshimadzu 10A pump. Acquisition was done with PE-Sciex Analyst (v1.1) anddata analysis and quantification were accomplished using PE-SciexAnalyst (v1.1). A 5-50 μL sample volume was, injected onto a reversephase ThermoHypersil DASH-18 column (Keystone 2.0×20 mm, 5 μm, PN:8823025-701) using a mobile phase of 25% CH₃OH, 0.1% TFA-100% CH₃OH,0.1% TFA. The run time was about 8 minutes at a flow rate of about 300μL/minutes.

The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated using the lineartrapezoidal rule from t=0 to the last sampling time t_(x) (see Handbookof Basic Pharmacokinetics, Wolfgang A. Ritschel and Gregory L. Kearns,5^(th) ed, 1999).AUC^(0−tx) =S((C _(n) +C _(n+1))/2))·(t _(n+1) −t _(n))[(μg/mL)h]

In the case of the cassette dosing paradigm, samples at 4, 8 and 12 hpost extravascular dosing, the AUC was calculated from t=0 to t=12 h.The AUC^(0→12 h) values were calculated for each individual animal andthe average AUC^(0→12 h) are reported in the table below.

Example No. AUC 1. 14.798 2. 15.971 3. 22.271 4. 13.829 5. 2.1654 6.0.5125 7. 0.8979 8. 2.4082 9. 2.0774 10. 2.1113 11. 14.818 12. 4.781613. 1.283 14. 0.3566 15. 90.317 16. 23.808 17. 0.8628 18. 4.7528

Example D Asthma Models

Inflammatory conditions mediated by α₄β₁ integrin include, for example,eosinophil influx, airway hyper-responsiveness and occlusion that occurswith chronic asthma. The following describes animal models of asthmathat were used to study the in vivo effects of the compounds of thisinvention for use in treating asthma.

Rat Asthma Model

This model follows the procedures described by Chapman et al, Am J.Resp. Crit. Care Med, 153 4, A219 (1996) and Chapman et al, Am. J. Resp.Crit Care Med 155:4, A881 (1997), both of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety. Ovalbumin (OA; 10 mg/mL) were mixed withaluminum hydroxide (10 mg/ml) and injected (i.p.) in Brown Norway ratson day 0. Injections of OA, together with adjuvant, were repeated ondays 7 and 14. On day 21, sensitized animals were restrained in plastictubes and exposed (60 minutes) to an aerosol of OA (10 mg/kg) in anose-only exposure system. Animals will be sacraficed 72 hours laterwith pentobarbital (250 mg/kg, i.p.). The lungs were lavaged via atracheal cannula using 3 aliquots (4 mL) of Hank's solution (HBSS×10,100 mL; EDTA 100 mM, 100 mL; HEPES 1 M, 25 mL; made up to 1 L with H₂O);recovered cells were pooled and the total volume of recovered fluidadjusted to 12 mL by addition of Hank's solution. Total cells werecounted (Sysmex microcell counter F-500, TOA Medical Electronics Otd.,Japan) and smears were made by diluting recovered fluid (toapproximately 10⁶ cells/mL) and pipetting an aliquot (100 μL) into acentrifuge (Cytospin, Shandon, U.K.). Smears were air dried, fixed usinga solution of fast green in methanol (2 mg/mL) for 5 seconds and stainedwith eosin G (5 seconds) and thiazine (5 seconds) (Diff-Quick, BrowneLtd. U.K.) in order to differentiate eosinophils, neutrophils,macrophages and lymphocytes. A total of 500 cells per smear were countedby light microscopy under oil immersion (×100). Compounds of thisinvention were formulated into a 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and 2%Tween80 suspension and administered orally to rats which had beensensitized to the allergen, ovalbumin. Compounds which inhibitedallergen-induced leucocyte accumulation in the airways of activelysensitized Brown Norway rats were considered to be active in this model.

Mouse Asthma Model

Compounds were also evaluated in a mouse model of acute pulmonaryinflammation following the procedures described by, Kung et al., Am J.Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 13:360-365, (1995) and Schneider et al., (1999).Am J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 20:448-457, (1999), which are eachincorporated by reference in their entirety. Female Black/6 mice (8-12weeks of age) were sensitized on day 1 by an intraperitoneal injection(i.p.) of 0.2 mL ova/alum mixture containing 20 μg of ova (Grade 4,Sigma) and 2 mg inject Alum (Pierce). A booster injection wasadministered on day 14. Mice are challenged on days 28 and 29 withaerosolized 1% ova (in 0.9% saline) for 20 minutes. Mice are euthanizedand bronchaveolar lavage samples (3 mL) are collected on day 30, 48hours post first challenge. Eosinophils were quantified by a FACs/FITCstaining method. Compounds of this invention were formulated into a 0.5%carboxymethylcellulose and 2% Tween80 suspension and administered orallyto mice which had been sensitized to the allergen, ovalbumin. Compoundswhich inhibited allergen-induced leucocyte accumulation in the airwaysof actively sensitized C57BL/6 mice were considered to be active in thismodel.

Sheep Asthma Model

This model follows the procedures described by Abraham et al, J. Clin,Invest, 93:776-787 (1994) and Abraham et al, Am J. Respir Crit Care Med156:696-703 (1997), both of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety. Compounds of this invention have been evaluated by intravenous(saline aqueous solution), oral (2% Tween80, 0.5%carboxymethylcellulose), and aerosol administration to sheep which arehypersensitive to Ascaris suum antigen. Compounds which decrease theearly antigen-induced bronchial response and/or block the late-phaseairway response, e.g. have a protective effect against antigen-inducedlate responses and airway hyper-responsiveness (“AHR”), are consideredto be active in this model.

Allergic sheep which are shown to develop both early and late bronchialresponses to inhaled Ascaris suum antigen were used to study the airwayeffects of the candidate compounds. Following topical anesthesia of thenasal passages with 2% lidocaine, a balloon catheter was advancedthrough one nostril into the lower esophagus. The animals were thenincubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube through the other nostril witha flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope as a guide.

Pleural pressure was estimated according to Abraham (1994). Aerosols(see formulation below) were generated using a disposable medicalnebulizer that provided an aerosol with a mass median aerodynamicdiameter of 3.2 μm as determined with an Andersen cascade impactor. Thenebulizer was connected to a dosimeter system consisting of a solenoidvalve and a source of compressed air (20 psi). The output of thenebulizer was directed into a plastic T-piece, one end of which wasconnected to the inspiratory port of a piston respirator. The solenoidvalve was activated for 1 second at the beginning of the inspiratorycycle of the respirator. Aerosols were delivered at V_(T) of 500 mL anda rate of 20 breaths/minute. A 0.5% sodium bicarbonate solution only wasused as a control.

To assess bronchial responsiveness, cumulative concentration-responsecurves to carbachol was generated according to Abraham (1994). Bronchialbiopsies were taken prior to and following the initiation of treatmentand 24 hours after antigen challenge. Bronchial biopsies were preformedaccording to Abraham (1994).

An in vitro adhesion study of alveolar macrophages were also performedaccording to Abraham (1994), and a percentage of adherent cellscalculated.

Aerosol Formulation

A solution of the candidate compound in 0.5% sodium bicarbonate/saline(w/v) at a concentration of 30.0 mg/mL is prepared using the followingprocedure:

A. Preparation of 0.5% Sodium Bicarbonate/Saline Stock Solution: 100.0mL

Ingredient Gram/100.0 mL Final Concentration Sodium Bicarbonate 0.5 g0.5% Saline q.s. ad 100.0 mL q.s. ad 100%Procedure:

1. Add 0.5 g sodium bicarbonate into a 100 mL volumetric flask.

2. Add approximately 90.0 nL saline and sonicate until dissolved.

3. Q.S. to 100.0 mL with saline and mix thoroughly.

B. Preparation of 30.0 mg/mT Candidate Compound: 10.0 mL.

Ingredient Gram/10.0 mL Final Concentration Candidate Compound 0.300 g30.0 mg/mL 0.5% Sodium Bicarbonate/ q.s. ad 10.0 mL q.s ad 100% SalineStock SolutionProcedure:

1. Add 0.300 g of the candidate compound into a 10.0 mL volumetricflask.

2. Add approximately 9.7 mL of 0.5% sodium bicarbonate/saline stocksolution.

3. Sonicate until the candidate compound is completely dissolved.

4. Q.S. to 10.0 mL with 0.5% sodium bicarbonate/saline stock solutionand mix thoroughly.

Example E 10-Day Toxicity Study on C57B6 Mice

A 10-day study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of compounds ofthe present invention to female C57B6 mice. The compound wasadministered by gavage at five dose levels, 0 (vehicle control), 10, 30,100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg (mpk), with five mice in each dose level. Thedose volume for all levels was 10 mL/kg. Dose solutions or suspensionswere prepared in 2% Tween 80 in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) andnew dose solutions or suspensions were prepared every two-three days.In-life observations included body weights (study day 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8and 11), daily cageside clinical observations (1-2/day) and periodic(study day −1, 2 and 9) functional observation battery.

At termination, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture forclinical pathology (hematology and clinical chemistry) and drug levels.The EDTA blood samples were analyzed for total white blood cell count,red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte indices (MCV,MCH, MCHC), platelets and a WBC five part differential (neutrophil,lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils). Heparinized plasmasamples were analyzed for alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase,alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, albumin, protein, calcium,glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides.

After blood collection, the carcass was necropsied and organs (liver,spleen, kidneys, heart and thymus) were weighed. Tissue samples; brain,salivary glands, thymus, heart, lung, liver, kidney, adrenal spleen,stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon and uterus/ovary, were collected andformalin fixed. Tissues from the vehicle control and 300 and 1000 mpkgroup animals were processed to H & E stained glass slides and evaluatedfor histopathological lesions.

Body weight changes, absolute and relative organ weights and clinicalpathology results were analyzed for statistical significant differencescompared to the vehicle controls by Dunnet's multiple comparison testusing Prism software. The functional observation battery results wereanalyzed for differences using the Dunnet's, Fisher's exact tests anddose trend effects by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel correlation test usingSAS software.

Using a conventional oral formulation, compounds of this invention wouldbe active in this model.

Example F Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Adjuvant induced arthritis (“AIA”) is an animal model useful in thestudy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is induced by injecting M.tuberculosis in the base of the tail of Lewis rats. Between 10 and 15days following injection, animals develop a severe, progressivearthritis.

Generally, compounds are tested for their ability to alter hind pawswelling and bone damage resulting from adjuvant-induced edema in rats.To quantitate the inhibition of hind paw swelling resulting from ALA,two phases of inflammation have been defined: (1) the primary andsecondary injected hind paw, and (2) the secondary uninjected hind paw,which generally begins developing about eleven days from the inductionof inflammation in the injected paw. Reduction of the latter type ofinflammation is an indication of immunosuppressive activity. Cf. Chang,Arth. Rheum., 20, 1135-1141 (1977).

Using an animal model of RA, such as AIA, enables one to study thecellular events involved in the early stages of the disease. CD44expression on macrophages and lymphocytes is up-regulated during theearly development of adjuvant arthritis, whereas LFA-1 expression isup-regulated later in the development of the disease. Understanding theinteractions between adhesion molecules and endothelium at the earlieststages of adjuvant arthritis could lead to significant advances in themethods used in the treatment of RA.

1. A method for treating an inflammatory disease mediated by α₄integrins in a patient said disease selected from the group consistingof asthma, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, which methodcomprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising apharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof:

wherein each X is independently fluoro, chloro or bromo; p is an integerfrom 0 to 3; R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they arebound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, 2,5-dihydopyrrol-1-yl,piperidinyl, or 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-1-yl; and R² is selected fromthe group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, and loweralkylenecycloalkyl.
 2. A method for treating an inflammatory diseasemediated by α₄ integrins in a patient said disease selected from thegroup consisting of asthma, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis,which method comprises administering to the patient a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (II) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting, offluoro and chloro; m is an integer equal to 1 or 2; R¹ and R³ togetherwith the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form an azetidinyl,pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group; and R² is selected from the groupconsisting of lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, and lower alkylenecycloalkyl.3. A method for treating an inflammatory disease mediated by α₄integrins in a patient said disease selected from the group consistingof asthma, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, which methodcomprises administering to the patient a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of Formula (III) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof:

wherein each X is independently fluoro or chloro; n is zero or one; R¹and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form anazetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group; and R² is —CH₂—R′ whereR′ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl or —CH═CH₂.4. The method of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogenatom to which they are bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, orpiperidinyl group.
 5. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, or 3,wherein R² is CH₃.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein X is F or Cl and nis
 0. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected fromthe group consisting of:N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanineN-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(piperidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-methylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-ethylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. A method for treatingan inflammatory disease mediated by α₄ integrins in a patient saiddisease selected from the group consisting of asthma, Crohn's diseaseand multiple sclerosis, which method comprises administering to thepatient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundof Formula (IV) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein each X is independently fluoro, chloro or bromo; p is an integerfrom 0 to 3; R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they arebound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, 2,5-dihydopyrrol-1-yl,piperidinyl, or 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl; and R² is lower alkynyl.9. A method for treating an inflammatory disease mediated by α₄integrins in a patient said disease selected from the group consistingof asthma, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, which methodcomprises administering to the patient a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of Formula (V) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting offluoro and chloro; m is an integer equal to 1 or 2; R¹ and R³ togetherwith the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form an azetidinyl,pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group; and R² is lower alkynyl.
 10. Amethod for treating an inflammatory disease mediated by α₄ integrins ina patient said disease selected from the group consisting of asthma,Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, which method comprisesadministering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising apharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula (VI) or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof:

wherein each X is independently fluoro or chloro; n is zero or one; R¹and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form anazetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or piperidinyl group; and R² is lower alkynyl.11. The method of claim 8, wherein R¹ and R³ together with the nitrogenatom to which they are bound form an azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, orpiperidinyl group.
 12. The method of any one of claims 8, 9, or 10,wherein R² is propargyl.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein X is F orCl and n is
 0. 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the compound isselected from the group consisting of:N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(azetidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;N-(2-[N′,N′-diethylamino]-5-[N″-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N″-propargylamino]pyrimidin-4-yl)-4′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyloxy)-L-phenylalanine;and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.